LARGE CREATURE (DUGONG) APPEARES ON PHILIPPINES BEACH

A large creature appeared on Philippines beach.

A large creature which was described as a “white hairy beast” washed up on a beach in the Philippines. Locals were baffled as they did not know What it was.

The White hairy creature form a mystery mass of about 4.5m-long on the shores of the Dinagat Islands. Images of this huge creature was shared widely on social media platforms.

A selfie with the creature posted on social media.

Scientists have since identified it as a dugong, but they have not figured out why it was washed ashore.

Scientists were able to identify the creature by taking samples of its skin and after tests concluded that it is most likely a dugong or sea cow.

The cause of death of the dugong have not yet been identified neither the specie.

However, according to the Cagdianao Municipal Agriculture Office, we do know that dugongs had been sighted in the area previously. So, although the sighting is unusual and unexpected, there seems to be nothing to worry about.

What are Dugongs?

Picture of a dugong

Dugongs are middle-sized marine mammals. The dugong is the only strictly marine herbivorous mammal.

The dugong has been hunted for thousands of years for its meat and oil.
Their current distribution is fragmented, and many populations are believed to be close to extinction.

They are found in warm coastal waters, ranging from the western Pacific Ocean to the east coast of Africa. Normally, they grow to about 3m in length and weight between 250 and 900 kg. The largest ever recorded was just over 4m long.

It is quite unusual to find a dead dugong afloat or washed ashore because when these marine mammals die, their bodies normally sink to the bottom of the ocean and other creatures feed on the flesh. Therefore, when they wash up as in the case on the Dinagat Islands there is usually a reason behind it.